Our latest AMA video with Pierre and Jon is now live! Watch the entire video from start to finish, or select the question topic you're most interested in from the drop-down menu to begin there. Check back anytime to listen to the complete session. Thank you for your participation in the AMA! Be sure to watch for updates on the next session!
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Today is the last day to get your questions in for Pierre Kerkinni & Jon Mavetz's AMA. Check out the questions that have already been posted, give Kudos to those you like, and then add your question here. Now is your chance to ask Anaplan's Dynamic Duo anything!
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The AMA is now open. Select the Reply button to post your questions today through Wednesday. If you haven't participated here before, now is your chance to connect directly with Anaplan's Dynamic Duo. Pierre and Jon are looking forward to your questions!
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Have you heard about our Master Anaplanner program? It’s Anaplan’s top-tier certification offering which gives model builders the opportunity to further their Anaplan knowledge and grow within the Anaplan ecosystem.
What is a Master Anaplanner, you ask? Great question!
Master Anaplanners are the pioneers of Connected Planning who are building the best practices within the industry. They are technical experts that represent the top one percent of Anaplan users who evangelize the platform in their everyday jobs by designing and deploying innovative Connected Planning solutions.
Master Anaplanners use their position of authority to provide architectural thought leadership. With years of hands-on model building experience, they understand all possible solutions to modeling challenges and can successfully identify the most scalable ways to meet the business needs of planners within their organization. They are passionate about improving their solutions and help set the direction of the platform as it continues to evolve.
As we continue to grow the program, we want to make sure you to keep you up to date with our latest changes. Take a look at our current top five things to know about the Master Anaplanner program:
Eligibility: We are looking for the best of the best, and we’ve updated our eligibility requirements over the past year to reflect that. Prior to applying, you’ll need to:
have at least one year of experience working within an Anaplan model
complete course 102, 201, 140, and 341 if you are a customer (additionally, if you are a partner or employee, you’ll also need to complete 342, 402, and 299)
have a high level of activity in your model(s)
Master Anaplanner Mentorship Opportunity: We recently launched a new program to help applicants with their journey toward becoming a Master Anaplanner. Within our mentorship program, applicants will be paired with an expert in the area that they indicate they need the most help. Our mentors will then work one-on-one with their mentees to help them prepare for the certification exam.
Benefits: While having the title of Master Anaplanner is great enough, we want to ensure Anaplanners who achieve this status truly get the red-carpet experience. Master Anaplanners can expect access to internal key decisionmakers through private webinars and think tanks. Master Anaplanners also enjoy VIP access at Anaplan’s flagship conference CPX, as well as additional networking opportunities with fellow Master Anaplanners virtually and in-person.
Master Anaplanner Applicant Hackathon: In January we will hosting our first ever Road to Become a Master Anaplanner Hackathon blitz. For two weeks in January, we’ll be holding hackathons throughout the United States (and, we hope, internationally with another event later next year). We’ll be inviting anyone who is interested in becoming a Master Anaplanner to join us for a day-long event where they’ll be able to advance their knowledge of Anaplan through passion project builds and interacting with fellow applicants and experts. If you are interested in attending, please fill out our form.
Certification: Another change we’ve implemented recently is a new certification test. This updated exam automates the process so you can reach Master Anaplanner status more quickly! Now instead of waiting for grading to take place, you’ll be able to learn your status as soon as you hit Submit. To learn more about the test head to our FAQ section in the Community.
Thanks for taking the time to read about the exciting new changes to the Master Anaplanner program. If you or another model builder you know is interested in applying or learning more, please visit the Master Anaplanner area of the Community or email masteranaplanners@anaplan.com.
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Icons, folders, and documents have taken over your desktop making it impossible to find the right file and embarrassing to screen share—we've all been there. But don't fret, we are going to change all of that! Why not put 10 minutes aside and celebrate National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day with us—it is a Monday after all, we could all use a little break.
National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day was created in 2010 by The Personal Computer Museum located in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Nothing like a whole day to remind you it's time to keep your virtual desktop just as clean as your physical desktop.
How to Observe
Download our nifty Anaplan Way Methodology desktop wallpaper (attached below) to help your neaten and organize your desktop. The Anaplan Way is a methodology that helps to ensure complete transparency during every phase of an implementation, why not apply that same transparency to your desktop, which is typically command central for all of your projects? Using our The Anaplan Way methodology we've developed a wallpaper to help you not only organize your desktop today, but also keep it that way.
Ready to get organized? Time to download that wallpaper and get started!
Pre-release: Place any documents/folders that are on-deck for your to-do list here. Think of this section as a launch pad, anything that will be ready to move to the implementation phase within two to three weeks can go here.
Foundations: Place any documents/folders that were recently kicked off or started here.
Implementation: This bucket is for any documents/folders in an "in-progress state." These files/projects should be items you are working and accessing on a daily basis.
Test: Place any documents/folders that are in review here. Every project launch or report has a review or test phase; think of the test bucket as your reminder that your documents/project launches are in-flight. While you may not have a step in this phase (though sometimes you will), it's a good reminder of the state of your project.
Deployment: You've launched your project or completed a report; now it is time to move those files over to the deployment bucket to be marked as finished .
Project Folders: We all work on ongoing projects. In this bucket, you can place the folders that you access regularly. Be sure to have an "Archive" section for files/projects that are complete. Once you feel you will not need to access those folders on a weekly basis, you can move those to your preferred external storage option such as Box, Google Drive, or an external hard drive - just remember it's handy to have your folders a few clicks away and accessible from any device.
Feel a little less cluttered and a lot more organized? Time to take this new surge of energy and put it toward your next project!
What tips can you share for cleaning your virtual desktop? How do you keep your virtual workspace organized? Let us know in the comments below!
Download
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The Anaplan Student Ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for students to represent Anaplan on campus. As an ambassador, you will gain real-world work experience by connecting with Anaplan staff, partners, and customers.
Anaplan Student Ambassadors educate faculty and fellow students on the benefits of the Anaplan platform and its ability to transform the business world. Sharpen and promote your skills, and network with business professionals and others who are passionate about technology.
Why apply?
Build your resume
Refine your public speaking skills
Enhance your leadership skills
Expand your professional network
What does an Anaplan Student Ambassador do?
Assist Anaplan during university events
Develop an expanded knowledge of Anaplan
Create Anaplan awareness and excitement on campus
Attend local Anaplan events
Be featured with a student ambassador profile
Ambassadors will gain leadership skills, professional experience, and connections in the industry to help in their career search. Individuals with a strong interest in student leadership and a drive for professional development are amongst the most common members of the Anaplan University Ambassador program. We are looking for people who are passionate about helping fellow students develop job-relevant and in-demand skill sets.
Steps to joining the University Connect Ambassador Program:
Submit application
Complete a series of questions that help us better know you, your current engagements, and why you should be selected.You must currently be enrolled into a degree seeking program and be interested in asssiting with the facilitation of a Anaplan program.
Evaluation
Applicants will be vetted by our Community and University Connect team. Please be available for phone interviews and further evaluation.
To express interest in becoming an Anaplan Student Ambassador fill out the below.
Name
Email
Job Title
University
Phone Number
Submit
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Hey Chris!
Thank you so much for taking the time to host our first external AMA! I was wondering if you could share a few career benefits you've seen since as a partner since becoming a Master Anaplanner. :)
Thanks!
Courtney
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Industry standards are changing as technology evolves and new generations become vital stakeholders in the workplace and marketplace. With the next generation preparing to take center stage, we began our search to find which significant business trends are on the horizon and would revolutionize how we work.
Based on trend forecasts, census reports, and survey data, we discovered three trends that the next generation is focused on, the first two being: how and where they work, and the ability to customize products as they like. The last emerging business trend is a focus on Connected Planning; we are seeing an emphasis from businesses on the need for increasing cross-department functionality and maintaining agility within the organization.
So what do these trends mean for you? Let's dive in and find out how you can use this knowledge to stay ahead of your competition:
Trend 1: Transitions in the Workforce
Gen Y has started to transform the workforce with their need for flexibility and their entrepreneurial spirit. Company loyalty is being exchanged for the freedom of "gig" or contract positions. According to the Office for National Statistics, 15 percent of all people working are currently self-employed, which based on the 2017 census report amounts to 14 million people.
Technology improvements have made it easy to get started in the "gig" economy. In 2017, the total workforce grew 2.5 percent, while the freelance workforce far exceeded that with a growth of 8.1 percent. Some workers become self-employed due to a lack of other options. Others, typically in younger generations, are drawn to self-employment for the flexibility it offers, which is cited among the most desired non-monetary benefits for workers.
Industries have started to evolve in order to capitalize on this fast-growing entrepreneurial ideology. Companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Etsy have created hubs to fuel flexibility and allow workers to enjoy self-employment with a bit more predictability.
So the big question on everyone's mind: How do I attract talent and plan for an invisible workforce?
Anaplan's Take: Our Director of Recruiting, Pete Lawson, adds "The on-demand economy is changing the way people work. The overall addressable talent pool for the on-demand workforce has grown so significantly that organizations need to start planning how they incorporate that talent market to the growth of their business." Lawson believes employers now have an important question to ask themselves, "'What, if any, roles am I willing to create an opportunity for a potential on-demand worker to plug into?' In my experience and what I have seen from the market, it is worth even having the conversation around this as there is some great talent to be acquired in this current market."
Actionable Tip: Pete Lawson recommends "When planning next year's headcount, it is a good idea to audit the addressable on-demand talent market to assess whether or not you are missing out on an opportunity to leverage this growing talent pool. By looking at the types of on-demand workers in the market against the growth plans for your organization, you have created a starting point for a conversation around whether or not you are planning for this hiring correctly."
Trend 2: The Customization Craze
In Mary Meeker's 2018 Internet Trends report, she shared that there is a continued call for consumer personalization. While monogrammed items are nothing new, there is a considerable push for product personalization in just about every industry. Customers now expect everything to be customizable, from clothing to laptops to virtual experiences, all delivered in 48 hours or less.
With so many products and purchasing options available to them, and a marketplace that promises increasingly instant gratification, consumers are driving change by expecting to get exactly what they want as soon as they ask for it. Companies are even beginning to build their offerings around instant personalization through tailored subscription services—customized "boxes" delivered by specific dates every month.
Cornell University researchers estimate that consumers make 35,000 decisions within a given 24-hour period. How do you ensure that you stand out? You deliver not only a custom solution to their product needs but also a personalized experience. Customers aren't just looking for an on-demand option; they also want to feel like they are the only customer you are marketing to. It's now about the experience.
With all of the personalized item requests, how can you plan for large-scale customization stock without going out of business?
Anaplan's Take: Anaplan Accelerate Principal, Eric Lange, suggests utilizing Connected Planning to take the guesswork out of your supply chain planning. “The speed of business has changed. When your organization moves to a Connected Planning way of thinking you’re able to manage demand, supply, distribution, with your financial needs in perspective, in real time.” According to Eric, “Switching the mindset from only volume-based planning to value-based decision making is a game changer. Planners and executives can now make timely and critical supply chain planning decisions at the speed of business with the top and bottom line in focus."
Actionable Tip: Obaid Ghani, our Director of Global Presales Operations, suggests that your first step is to “Re-evaluate how your aligned volume forecast interacts with the supply side of the business. Ask your team: ‘What is the gap between investigating current data and interpreting real-time trends?' and 'What is our process for demand changes?’” Answering these questions and taking a good look at your business process will help you determine the financial impact of recent trends and make the best decision.
Trend 3: Connected Planning
Connected Planning has grown from an idea to a movement and is continuing to spread from industry to industry. But what exactly is Connected Planning? We're glad you asked.
“Connected Planning joins together people, data, and plans to help accelerate better business performance. Connected Planning breaks down information silos to eliminate any inefficiencies in financial planning, corporate planning, and operational planning." - Anaplan
This summer, we realized something was missing in our company: a C-suite champion who would make sure there is a comprehensive, yet flexible, governance system, ensuring people are using the same language and the same set of central assumptions. This gap led to the creation of a department dedicated to Connected Planning.
Anaplan CEO Frank Calderoni quickly recognized this massive industry shift. "I t requires a C-Suite leader," he wrote, "who intimately understands the value of Connected Planning, can adjust to the external forces behind any transformational journey, and who possesses the ability to connect all the dots across an enterprise. This new role will revolutionize how businesses think about their plans when it comes to increasing profits faster, when to enter markets globally, and how to provide better services to their customers."
Simon Tucker, planning industry veteran and previously Anaplan's Chief Customer Officer, has stepped into the role of Chief Planning Officer (CPO) at Anaplan. In his new position, Simon will continue to grow Connected Planning throughout Anaplan, developing a successful showcase for implementing it within any other organization.
Companies around the globe are shifting how they run their businesses; silos are coming down and connected plans between departments are spreading. In light of this need for greater planning, communication, and collaboration, what is the first step to starting your planning governance committee?
Anaplan's Take: Communication and collaboration is the first step on your Connected Planning journey. According to Simon, “Communicating at a high level and sharing data with our broader [connected] teams is the most important step towards successful Connected Planning. The more areas of the business that are involved and have insight into how each other is operating, the clearer the path to everyone’s goals become.”
Actionable Tip: Build a governance committee with a member of each department and have them meet on a regular cadence to share high-level plans and discuss how they can help each other.
What do you think of these new business trends? Has your organization started preparing for them or incorporating them into your business plan? Or maybe there is a different trend that is top of mind for your company. Share your thoughts below in the comments.
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There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
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There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

Hi Paul and @fabien.junod!
Apologies for not responding here Fabien! Our Switzerland User Group is live - however, it was only recently launched, so it is still in its infancy phase of gaining members. We'll be adding a tile for the Switzerland User Group later this month once we update the homepage to include our new Topic and Line of Business User Groups. Be sure to check back then!
Also please feel free to reach out to UserGroups@anaplan.com for any questions or to request changes to certain User Groups.
Best,
Courtney
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There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

Mark your calendars for our next Utah User Group Meetup, to be held Thursday, January 18th at Utah Top golf,920 Jordan River Blvd from 12 - 4 pm, lunch and golf will be provided. Register Here!
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There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more

There are so many extraordinary members in this group that we thought it was important to create a space for you to share a little more about who you are and all the exciting things you are up to!
We know introduction threads can get a little awkward, so here are a few questions to help you get started:
What brings you to the Anaplan community?
What specifically are you working on at the moment? Why do you use Anaplan and what is your favorite thing about it?
Have you been to any of our meetups, or seen us at an event?
What's one way or suggestion to make this forum and Anaplan better?
... View more